The Wabash Cannonball Trail is one of Ohio’s longest rail-trails. It’s a 63-mile, multi-use recreational trail in Northwest Ohio traversing Fulton, Henry, Lucas and Williams counties, sharing its route with the North Country National Scenic Trail. It provides non-motorized access to a variety of trail users, from hikers to trail runners to bikers to cross-country skiers. The 12-foot-wide trail surface varies within the different jurisdictions, including asphalt and hard packed cinder ballast. The trail is a part of the nationwide movement to rejuvenate former railroad corridors into linear parks where people can enjoy the beauty and solitude of the outdoors while also providing a safe alternate mode of transportation between towns and villages along the route.
The Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association, Inc. (NORTA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that owns the portion of the Wabash Cannonball Trail running through Henry, Fulton and Williams counties. NORTA’s purpose is to promote the development and operation of those 63 miles within the three counties, as well as the segment within Lucas County. NORTA is comprised of a group of dedicated volunteers and supporters whose efforts were instrumental in the acquisition of the railroad corridor that had been operated by Norfolk Southern Railroad. NORTA volunteers have worked diligently to prepare the corridor for use as a recreational trail. Group activities include cleanup days, fundraising, landscaping and light construction. Meetings are held regularly and a newsletter is published several times throughout the year.
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